Snell Anatomy of the Foot Quiz

Questions and Answers

Which term refers to the top of the foot?

Hallux

Sole

Dorsum (correct)

Plantar side

What is the main function of the foot's arch structure?

Limit mobility

Protect the bones

Provide leverage for walking (correct)

Increase weight

Which nerve innervates the medial side of the heel?

Medial plantar nerve

Medial calcaneal branch (correct)

Sural nerve

Lateral plantar nerve

Which tendon passes behind the lateral malleolus deep to the superior fibular retinaculum?

Fibularis longus Signup and view all the answers

What is the great toe also known as?

Hallux Signup and view all the answers

Which structure lies directly behind the ankle?

Tendo calcaneus Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the skin on the sole of the foot?

Thick and hairless Signup and view all the answers

Which structure ascends in front of the medial malleolus of the tibia?

Great saphenous vein Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of the gastrocnemius muscle?

Flexes the knee joint and plantar flexes the foot at the ankle joint Signup and view all the answers

Where does the gastrocnemius originate?

Lateral condyle of femur Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve supplies the soleus muscle?

Tibial nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the insertion point of the plantaris muscle?

Posterior surface of calcaneus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following muscles is responsible for unlocking the knee joint?

Popliteus Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is primarily caused by prolonged immobility during long-distance air travel?

Deep vein thrombosis Signup and view all the answers

What symptom might indicate thrombosis of the veins in the soleus muscle?

Mild pain or tightness in the calf Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is the tibial nerve primarily associated with?

Posterior tibial artery Signup and view all the answers

What divides into the medial and lateral plantar nerves?

Tibial nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which structure does NOT pass deep to the extensor retinacula?

Great saphenous vein Signup and view all the answers

Where does the tibial nerve originate?

Sciatic nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is associated with the posterior tibial artery?

Flexor hallucis longus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary preventative measure for deep vein thrombosis during long flights?

Stretching the legs every hour Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve provides sensory innervation over the medial surface of the heel?

Medial calcaneal branch Signup and view all the answers

Which tendons share a common synovial sheath?

Extensor digitorum longus and fibularis tertius Signup and view all the answers

What nerve supplies the anterior compartment of the leg?

Deep fibular nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following muscles is NOT supplied by the deep fibular nerve?

Fibularis longus Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by increased pressure in the anterior compartment of the leg?

Anterior compartment syndrome Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical feature allows the deep fibular nerve to enter the anterior compartment?

Deep fascia septum Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of increased pressure during anterior compartment syndrome?

Diminished venous return Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of venae comitantes in the posterior tibial artery?

Forming the popliteal vein Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with anterior compartment syndrome?

Numbness in the lateral foot Signup and view all the answers

Which artery provides the blood supply to the lateral compartment of the leg?

Fibular artery Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is responsible for eversion of the foot?

Fibularis brevis Signup and view all the answers

What feature characterizes the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles?

They insert into the calcaneum via the common tendo calcaneus. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the tendo calcaneus is most commonly associated with rupture?

At its narrowest part, about 2 in above its insertion. Signup and view all the answers

What immediate symptom is associated with a rupture of the tendo calcaneus?

A sudden, sharp pain and immediate disability. Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve supplies the gastrocnemius muscle?

Tibial nerve. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misdiagnosis for a rupture of the plantaris tendon?

Partial tearing of the tendo calcaneus. Signup and view all the answers

What action does the gastrocnemius primarily perform?

Plantar flexion of the foot at the ankle joint. Signup and view all the answers

Which commonly used tendon for autografts is sometimes missing?

Plantaris tendon. Signup and view all the answers

Which set of nerve roots is primarily associated with the gastrocnemius muscle?

S1, S2. Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle does NOT contribute to dorsiflexion at the ankle joint?

Fibularis longus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary blood supply to the anterior compartment of the leg?

Anterior tibial artery Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following movements is associated with inversion of the foot?

Turning the sole of the foot medially Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve innervates the muscles of the anterior compartment?

Deep fibular (peroneal) nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is involved in both dorsiflexion and eversion of the foot?

Fibularis tertius Signup and view all the answers

In which anatomical location does the anterior tibial artery primarily descend?

On the anterior surface of the interosseous membrane Signup and view all the answers

What structure is responsible for the extension of the toes associated with extensor digitorum longus?

Extensor expansion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the action of the fibularis tertius?

Everts foot at the subtalar joint Signup and view all the answers

Which action is categorized as plantar flexion?

Standing on the toes Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical feature separates the three compartments of the leg?

Deep fascia and intermuscular septa Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is associated with the supply of the skin on the upper part of the posterolateral surface of the leg?

Lateral cutaneous nerve of the calf Signup and view all the answers

What is the pathway of the small saphenous vein in relation to the lateral malleolus?

Behind the lateral malleolus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the termination of the small saphenous vein?

It may split and join both the popliteal and great saphenous veins. Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical feature follows the great saphenous vein regarding lymph drainage?

Superficial inguinal lymph nodes Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is responsible for supplying skin on the posteromedial surface of the leg?

Saphenous nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is likely to have numerous valves along its course?

Small saphenous vein Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about lymph vessels from the back of the leg is correct?

They may pass forward around the medial side of the leg. Signup and view all the answers

Which structure may provide important anastomotic branches that connect with the great saphenous vein?

Communicating veins from the deep veins of the foot Signup and view all the answers

Which structure binds the tendons of the fibularis longus and brevis to the lateral side of the calcaneum?

Inferior fibular (peroneal) retinaculum Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve supplies the anteromedial surface of the leg?

Saphenous nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the superior and inferior extensor retinacula?

Bind tendons of the extensor muscles Signup and view all the answers

Which artery supplies blood to the dorsum of the foot?

Dorsalis pedis artery Signup and view all the answers

What structure does the superficial fibular nerve primarily supply?

Upper anterolateral surface of the leg Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is NOT included in the structures found in the anterior compartment of the leg?

Gastrocnemius Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nerves is a branch of the common fibular nerve?

Deep fibular nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is located directly above the lateral malleolus?

Superior fibular retinaculum Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve supplies the skin on the upper part of the lateral surface of the leg?

Common fibular nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which artery is located on the dorsum of the foot and is a continuation of the anterior tibial artery?

Dorsalis pedis artery Signup and view all the answers

What structure is located directly behind the lateral malleolus?

Tendo calcaneus Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle crops from lateral to medial, delineating the right ankle joint?

Fibularis longus Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve supplies the skin over the anteromedial surface of the leg?

Saphenous nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which two structures are innervated by the superficial fibular nerve?

Fibularis longus and fibularis brevis Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament connects the talus to the fibula?

Posterior talofibular ligament Signup and view all the answers

Which structure supports the extensor tendons in place on the dorsum of the foot?

Inferior extensor retinaculum Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the function of the fibularis longus and brevis muscles?

They evert the foot at the subtalar and transverse tarsal joints. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary blood supply to the lateral fascial compartment of the leg?

Fibular artery Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve provides motor innervation to the muscles in the lateral fascial compartment?

Superficial fibular nerve Signup and view all the answers

What could be a potential consequence of a torn superior fibular retinaculum?

Dislocation of fibularis longus and brevis tendons. Signup and view all the answers

Which muscles are included in the superficial group of the posterior fascial compartment?

Gastrocnemius, plantaris, soleus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures primarily contributes to the cutaneous innervation of the lower leg and dorsum of the foot?

Superficial fibular nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT performed by the fibularis longus and brevis muscles?

Dorsiflexion of the foot Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the fibularis longus tendon in relation to the foot's arches?

Connection to the transverse arch Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Muscles of Posterior Fascial Compartment of Leg

Superficial Group includes gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris.
Gastrocnemius originates from the lateral head (lateral condyle of femur) and medial head; it inserts into the calcaneum via the tendo calcaneus.
It is innervated by the tibial nerve (S1, S2) and functions to plantar flex the foot at the ankle joint.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Air Travel

Long-duration immobility, like on flights, increases DVT risk in the legs.
Symptoms may include pain and tenderness in the calf (soleus), though DVT can be asymptomatic.
Dislodged thrombus can lead to pulmonary embolism, potentially fatal.
Preventative measures include leg stretching every hour to enhance venous circulation.

Tibial Nerve

The tibial nerve, a major branch of the sciatic nerve, runs through the popliteal fossa.
It travels deep to gastrocnemius and soleus, lying posterior to the tibia.
Accompanies the posterior tibial artery, passing behind the medial malleolus.
Divides into medial and lateral plantar nerves after being covered by the flexor retinaculum.

Branches of the Tibial Nerve

Provides muscular branches to the posterior compartment (gastrocnemius, soleus, etc.).
Contains a cutaneous branch (medial calcaneal) for skin over the heel.
Includes an articular branch to the ankle joint.

Medial and Lateral Plantar Nerves

Serve as the terminal branches of the tibial nerve.

Ankle Anatomy

The ankle is the juncture of the leg and foot; structures pass through it in organized patterns.
Superficial to the extensor retinacula from medial to lateral include the saphenous nerve and great saphenous vein.
Deep structures include tibialis anterior tendon and anterior tibial artery with its accompanying nerve and veins.

Foot Function and Anatomy

The foot (pes) supports body weight and adapts via arches for uneven surfaces, providing shock absorption.
The superior aspect is called the dorsum, while the underside is the sole or plantar side.
The great toe is referred to as the hallux.

Sole Skin Structure

The skin on the sole is thick, hairless, and attached firmly to deep fascia by fibrous bands, including flexure creases.

Cutaneous Nerve Supply

Medial calcaneal branch (tibial nerve) innervates the medial heel.
Medial and lateral plantar nerve branches supply the respective areas of the sole.

Ankle Dissection and Vein Anatomy

Great saphenous vein originates from the dorsal venous arch and ascends in front of the medial malleolus.
Structures behind the lateral malleolus include the sural nerve and small saphenous vein.
Fibularis longus and brevis tendons share a synovial sheath posterior to the lateral malleolus.

Muscle Tears and Injuries

Gastrocnemius or soleus tears cause severe localized pain and possible swelling.
Rupture of the tendo calcaneus occurs typically 5 cm above the insertion with acute pain and disability.
Plantaris tendon rupture is rare; plantaris muscle can be utilized for tendon autografts.

Posterior Fascial Compartment Overview

Muscles are organized into superficial (gastrocnemius, etc.) and deep (popliteus, etc.) groups.
Blood supply is from the posterior tibial artery, with innervation from the tibial nerve.

Lateral Compartment Contents

Muscles: Fibularis longus and brevis.
Blood supply via branches from the fibular artery.
Innervated by the superficial fibular nerve.

Lateral Compartment Muscle Actions

Fibularis longus and brevis flex and evert the foot, supporting the lateral longitudinal arch.

Anterior Fascial Compartment Overview

Muscles include tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus.
Supplied by the anterior tibial artery and innervated by the deep fibular nerve.

Clinical Considerations

Anterior compartment syndrome results from increased tissue fluid pressure, often after soft tissue injury.
Symptoms include severe pain worsened by dorsiflexion; urgent surgical decompression may be necessary to prevent muscle necrosis.

Superficial Veins and Lymphatics

The small saphenous vein arises from the dorsal venous arch, ascends behind the lateral malleolus, and has variable termination points.
Lymph drainage for the skin and superficial fascia follows the course of the saphenous veins to lymph nodes in the inguinal region.### Deep Structures of the Right Leg and Dorsum of the Foot
Inferior extensor retinaculum: Supports the tendons of the extensor muscles at the ankle.
Extensor digitorum brevis: Muscle that aids in the extension of the toes.
Fibularis tertius: Muscle involved in dorsiflexion and eversion of the foot.
Extensor digitorum longus: Primarily responsible for toe extension.
Medial malleolus: Bony prominence on the inner ankle.
Tibialis anterior: Key muscle for dorsiflexion and inversion of the foot.
Dorsalis pedis artery: Major artery supplying the dorsum of the foot.
Extensor hallucis longus: Muscle that extends the big toe.
Deep fibular nerve: Innervates muscles in the anterior compartment of the leg.

Dissection of the Right Ankle Region

Fibularis brevis & longus: Muscles responsible for foot eversion and stability.
Sural nerve: Provides sensory innervation to the skin of the posterior leg.
Superior extensor retinaculum: Holds tendons of anterior compartment muscles.
Tendo calcaneus: Achilles tendon connecting calf muscles to the heel.
Lateral malleolus: Bony prominence on the outer ankle.
Small saphenous vein: Drains blood from the lateral aspect of the leg.
Dorsal venous arch: Venous network on the dorsum of the foot.

Relations of the Right Ankle Joint

Tibialis anterior & posterior: Essential for foot movement and stabilization.
Extensor hallucis longus & digitorum longus: Key muscles for toe extension.
Dorsalis pedis artery: Major artery contributing to foot blood supply.
Fibularis tertius: Assists with foot eversion and dorsiflexion.
Flexor retinaculum: Supports tendons of the flexor muscles at the ankle.
Talus: Ankle bone that connects the foot to the leg.
Medial & lateral malleoli: Provide ankle stability, acting as lever points.

Cutaneous Nerves of the Leg

Common fibular (peroneal) nerve: Supplies upper lateral leg skin.
Superficial fibular (peroneal) nerve: Innervates the lower anterolateral skin surface.
Saphenous nerve: Provides sensation to the anteromedial leg skin.
Posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh: Supplies sensory innervation to the back of the thigh.

Structures in the Anterior and Lateral Aspects of the Right Leg

Ligamentum patellae: Attaches the patella to the tibia; important for knee stability.
Anterior tibial artery: Supplies blood to the anterior compartment of the leg.
Deep fibular nerve: Innervates the anterior compartment muscles, aiding foot dorsiflexion.

Dissection of the Front of the Right Leg and Dorsum of the Foot

Anterior border of the tibia: Prominent bone in the front of the leg, serves as a landmark.
Great saphenous vein: Major vein draining blood from the lower limb.
Dorsalis pedis artery & deep fibular nerve: Essential for foot function and sensation.
Fibularis longus and brevis tendons: Reinforce lateral stability of the ankle.

Inferior Fibular Retinaculum

Binds tendons of the fibularis longus and brevis to the lateral side of the calcaneus.
Provides support during foot movements and maintains tendon integrity.

Summary

Proper understanding of the anatomy and relationships of these structures is crucial for comprehending leg and foot function, as well as potential pathologies involving the lower extremities.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the anatomy of the foot with this quiz. Discover the terminology related to the top of the foot and the functions of its structural features. Perfect for students of anatomy and physiology.